Freddie Freeman withstood two World Series games that stretched extra innings. Many will remember the high drama of Game 7 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. But Freeman will have great memories of Yoshinobu Yamamoto more.
After Yamamoto thanked the Dodgers fans in English, Freeman became thankful for the reigning WS Most Valuable Player for Los Angeles, which Freeman decided to share with the MLB Network.
“Game 7 had everything you could possibly think of,” Freeman began. “From benches clearing, to changing leads, to tying games, then Miguel Rojas hitting the game tying home run with one out in the ninth…just so many things happened. But the main thing is, I have never seen Yoshinobu Yamamoto do what he did.”
Freeman continued describing the impact of the right-hander, including what “shocked” him.
“I was even shocked when he was warming up in the bullpen,” Freeman said in reflecting back to that crucial final game sequence. “And then come in and throw the most innings out of all our pitches the day after he started.”
Freddie Freeman further glorifies Dodgers star pitcher
The slugger wasn't done dropping a glowing review on his teammate.
“It was just absolutely incredible,” Freeman further explained. “It took every single guy to win it this year. But that was incredible.”
The Blue Jays had the Dodgers and their fans on pins and needles throughout the final game to decide the champion. Toronto additionally had L.A. against the ropes down 3-2.
Freeman never wavered from his belief the Dodgers would win, though, after Game 5. He's now a three-time WS winner — as he won his first title with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. But is now a big part of the Dodgers' 2020s decade dynasty that's now seen three titles.
Freeman also sent a touching tribute to retiring teammate Clayton Kershaw as the team celebrated in the visitor's locker room. They took the celebration to Downtown L.A. and Chavez Ravine in front of more than 50,000 fans.
